Vittoria expects Olympic gold
21/01/2016
Working with technology provider Directa Plus, Vittoria has developed a range of tyres that use a graphene compound called G+ Isotech. It launched the new tyres at cycling exhibitions in the autumn of 2015 and has said a number of cycling teams will use the new equipment in 2016, with individual athletes and national teams also preparing to use them in Rio.
Vittoria chief executive, Rudie Campagne, said at a press briefing in London on January 20 graphene has enabled his company to develop “intelligent”, durable, puncture-resistant tyres that become harder when rolling straight and softer when the rider brakes or takes a corner, therefore offering extra speed and extra grip exactly when required. “Graphene is a dream come true for us,” Mr Campagne said.
He added that independent tests in a laboratory in Finland have shown Vittoria’s G+ Isotech tyres to offer a 32-second advantage over a distance of 50 kilometres, compared to tyres previously recognised as leading the market. Rudie Campagne said in London: “If you think that the Tour de France can be won by just a few seconds after three weeks, 32 seconds after 50 kilometres is an enormous advantage. Gold medals at the Olympics will still depend on the riders’ strength and skill, but we are certainly going to give them all the help they need.”
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